Genotypic and environmental differences in rye fed to broiler chicks with dietary pentosanase supplementation

Abstract

The response of broiler chicks fed rye with dietary pentosanase supplementation was examined with respect to rye variety, area of production, and maturity at harvest. There were significant differences among varieties in the absence of enzyme addition and significant differences (variety × enzyme, P < 0.01) in the magnitude of the chick growth response to dietary pentosanase (exp. 1). Kodiak and Cougar rye gave greater enzyme-induced growth response than did Gazelle rye, with Musketeer rye and an unknown sample displaying intermediate values. Experiment 2 gave similar results; both Kodiak and Cougar rye in chick diets gave a larger response to dietary pentosanase than did Musketeer rye (P > 0.05). Determination of soluble carbohydrates, as well as extract viscosity, indicated that Kodiak rye had higher extract viscosity, higher extractable pentosan content, and a lower arabinose-to-xylose ratio; however, these results were not consistent with Cougar rye. Differing production location of a single variety (Musketeer, exp. 3) or maturity at harvest (exp. 4) indicated no significant effect on the nutritive value of rye attributable to location or maturity with or without enzyme supplementation, nor was there an effect on the magnitude of enzyme response. In rye harvested at different stages of maturity there was, however, a nonsignificant linear depression in chick growth with rye harvested at higher moisture levels. Key words: Rye, pentosans, broiler chicks, pentosanase